Manure spreader



Nov. 24, 1953 c. J. saimoN 2,660,439

MANURE SPREADER Filed March 3, 1950 s Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 24, 1953 c. J. SCRANTON MANURE SPREADER 5 Shets-Sheet 2 Filed March 5, 1950 Nov. 24, 1953 c. J. SCRANTON MANURE SPREADER Filed March 3. 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Moi/m Patented Nov. 24, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Charles J. Scranton La. Porte, Wis., assignor to Allis-ChalmersManufacturing Company, Milwailkee, Wis.

Application March 3, 1950; Serial No. 147,391

TClaimst 1 This invention relates generally to a tractor propelled fertilizer or manure distributor ofthe typeutilizing conveying and spreading elements operated by power derived from the engine of the tractor, and is more particularly concerned with and directed toward the provision of a distributor incorporating features designed to improve the structural and functional coactionof parts in a manner afiordingmaterial advantages as to loading, conveying and/or spreading opera-- tions.

Loading, manure from a pile into a spreader has been one of the more arduous and unpleasant tasks connected with 'farm'work; And while attempts have been made to alleviate some of this work by mounting a scoop shovel or suitable-loading device on the front end of the tractor,- these devices have not solvedthe problem adequately as most farmers have-but one tractor-and the mounting of such a'device thereon materially limits maneuverability and utility; Consequently, attachment and removal of the loading device is quite frequent and requires considere able time and effort for, each such operation; Moreover, the spreader will have to be detached from the tractor each time the tractor mounted loader is utilized for fillingjthe body of the spreader and'in addition, after'the spreaderis filled, the tractor, with the loader still attached, will then have to be reengaged with the spreader and utilized to draw the spreader through the fields in the spreading operation.

It is, therefore, the principal objector. this invention'to provide a self loadingpower takeofi operated distributor wherein the distributor is loaded through power; derived fromLthe'tractor and wherein the distributor remains'f'coupled"to' the tractor during the loading operationr' Another object of' this-invention is "to provide afront spreading-fertilizer distributor having a self-loading device operatively mounted on the rear end thereof whereby the distributor may be backedinto a loading position against aimanure pile or into contact :with manure-1 on theiground or floor such as found in asteer feedingilo't or shelter and the loading thereof effected byf-operating said device. a Another object of this invention is to provide a manure distributor wherein the manure is uniformly distributed in substantially verticaltransverse planes at the front endof the distributor.

Another object of thisinvention is to provide a tractor'drawn'power take-offoperatedfbal anced two wheeled fertilizer distributor wherein the load distributionis such that any thrustfe'x erted onthe traction wheels 'of'the tract'orduring' 2 distribution is downward regardless of the'percent load of the distributor.

Another-object of this invention is to provide a front spreading fertilizer distributor havinga pair of slingers oppositely rotating in a vertical plane wherein the fertilizer is supplied to the slingers by a conveyer and over a beater.

Another object of this invention is to provide a low cost, rugged, two wheeled manure-distributor which can be readily converted into a" trailer having apower; take-off connection, for use asdesired.

Another object of this invention. is to provide a manure distributor that will pick up heavily. packed manure and distribute itin theform of an ideal top dressingifreezfrom chunks.

The construction and operation of apparatus embodying the invention will become readily-ap-- parent as the disclosure progresses and particularly points out additional features and ad-- vantages considered of specialimportance. And accordingly, the invention-may be considered asconsisting of various details of construction, correlation of elements andarrangements of parts as is-more fully set forth in the following description, reference being had to the accompanying Fig. .3 is an enlarged detail of Fig. 1 with the left hand wheel removed;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail taken on -li'neIV-JV of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of'a portion of the. lefthandside' of the distributor;

' Fig. 6 is aview taken online. vx' vror Fig. 5; I Fig; 'Z'is a view taken on line .VIIVI I'of Fig. '5:-

Fig. 8 an enlarged" view of part of the right hand" side ofthe distributor;' I

Fig; 9 is an enlarged'view of "the variable-feed drive mechanism hownlin Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 is an enlargedview of a detail ofthe drive mechanism -shown in'Fig. 8 with some parts ren'iove'd'for clarity.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of'the drawings, it is seen that a self-loading manure spreader embodying the invention may'include a supporting frame structure having a pair of transversely. extending channel members ll, l2 joinedin spaced'apart relation by means'of a pair oftransversely' spaced longitudinally extending support members lt rseeFig; 3) with the flanges ofeach' ing wheels 26 and H have their stub shafts l8 journaled in housings 9 positioned between and attached to the ends of channel members l l and 12 by conventional means as shown in Figs. 3 and i. Extending diagonally forward from support members it are channel irons 2| and 22 which are joined at a forward point, lying in a plane including the longitudinal center line of the spreader as by welding with the flanges of channel members 2! and 22 extending toward each other. The forward portions of channel irons 2i and 22 are bent and joined together to form a longitudinally extending tongue portion 23 to which a socket half 25, of a ball and socket hitch as of the type shown in U. S. patent to Harrer, No. 2,438,749, issued March 30, 1948, is attached at the end thereof. The ball E'i of the hitch is attached to the drawbar 23 of a tractor 23 which is preferably of the type having a live power take-off. From the foregoing, it is seen that a simple, durable two wheeled trailer has been provided, which can be utilized independently of the spreader to mount a variety of apparatus.

Tongue member 23 rotatably supports a telescoping shaft 31 by means of a bearing 32 carried by and between strap members 53 (only one of which is shown) which are pivotally attached at their lower ends to tongue member 23. The forward end of shaft 3! is adapted to be drivingly connected to a power take-ofi shaft 34 of a tractor or other power source by means of a shaft member 36 having universal connections on the ends thereof. The rear end of shaft 3! is connected by means of an overload clutch 3'! to a universal connection 38 adapted to be joined with any mechanism it may be desired to mount on the two wheeled trailer. Shaft 34 is enclosed by a safety shield 39 attached to straps 33 and to flange M carried by tongue member 23. It is, therefore, seen that a two wheeled trailer has been provided with power take-oif means which can be connected to a propelling vehicle to operate and transport any mechanism mounted on the two wheeled trailer.

Referring to Figs. and! it is seen that a transversely extending angle member 42 is attached to gusset plates 43 and 44 which are joined to tongue member 23 as by welding. Vertically-extending angle irons 45 and 4! are attached to the ends of transverse angle member 42 and are additionally spaced apart by vertical plate48, by transverse tube members 49 and 5! and by transverse angle irons 52 and 53. A power input shaft 54,'connected to telescoping shaft Si by means of universal connection 33, isrotatably journaled in bearing member 55 carried by angle members 42 and 53. On the rear end of shaft '54 an impeller member 5? is attached whose function is to prevent an accumulation of manure on the portion of tongue member 23 located immediately below the impeller member. A sprocket member 58 is attached to the forward end of shaft 54 for rotation therewith. A pair of slinger shafts 59 and 63 are rotatably journaled. in bearings 62 and 63, respectively, carried by transverse tubes 49 and 51. Sprockets 64 and 68 are attached to the forward ends of slinger shafts 59 and 6t, respectively, while cone shaped slingers ill and 53 are attached to the rear ends of shafts 59 and Bi,

respectively, for rotationtherewith. A shaft 653 is journaled in a bearing supported in a gear housing ll carried by angle iron 4-! and by transverse angle member 52. A sprocket T2 is mounted on shaft 6.. and by means of a combination clutch '13 sprocket 12 may be engaged with shaft 69 to drive same. Clutch I3 is of conventional design and includes an overload jaw clutch (not shown) and a manually operated pin clutch (not shown) which latter clutch is operable from the seat on tractor 29 by means of hand lever mechanism "M. The rear end of shaft 69 is gear connected within gear housing H to drive a sprocket H which is the power supplying means for beater shaft 18 and for the drive mechanism '19 (see Fig. 8) for the floor conveyer 8|, which drive means will be described at a later point. A shaft 82 (see Figs. 5 and '7) is journaled in a bearing support member (not shown) carried by vertical angle member 41. A sprocket 83 is mounted on shaft 82 and by means of a combination clutch 84 similar to clutch l3, sprocket 83, by means of hand lever mechanism 85 and a pin clutch (not shown), may be engaged with shaft 82 for driving same. The rear end of shaft 82 is connected by means of power transmitting elements to drive loading conveyor 87, the details of which will be described at a later point. A pair of idler sprockets 88 and 39 are rotatably supported between tube member 5! and angle member 53. Conventional chain tightening means are provided permitting transverse movement or plate 9i which rotatably supports sprocket 88. A chain 92 driven by sprocket 58 interconnects sprockets 58, 56, 12, 6d, 83, 88 and 853 and drives same. It should be noted that sprockets 6d and iii: are driven in opposite directions.

The body of the distributor is attached at a midportion thereof to channel members ll and I2 by means of bracket it (see Fig. 4). The forward end of the body is supported from channel members Zl and 22 by means of longitudinally extending plates 93 and as which are attached to the upper portion of the body and to vertically extending angle members 48 and ll. The body of the spreader is a box-like structure having an open top and forward end. The bottom of the box includes a pair of longitudinally extending angle irons 95 and 9'1 connected by several transversely extending angle members 98. The floor of the spreader includes wooden members 99 attached to transverse angle members 98. At the forward ends of angle members 98 and ill, a shaft ma carrying a pair of sprockets m2 is rotatably journaled. A shaft I63 is attached to the rearward ends of angle members 96 and 9'! and sprockets H35 are journaled on shaft 383 for rotation relative thereto. An endless conveyer having chains Hi6 and i8? connected by slat members 158 passes around these sprockets and around the floor of the spreader. Conventional means are provided for moving shaft 483 forwardly or rearwardly to adjust the tension in chains ms and lill. Attached to the forward ends of angle members 96 and 97 are vertically extending angle irons H19 and HI, respectively, which are joined at their upper portions to plates 94 and 93, respectively. Attached to the rear ends of angle members 96 and 9'! are vertical angle members H2 (only one of which is shown). A side member H3 is attached to angle members [539, 96 and H2 and the opposite side member lid is attached to angle members Ill, 91 and H2. An end member is attached to angleirons H2. It should here be noted that the body of the spreader tapers wideningly forward. The purpose of this is to make it easier for the conveyer 8| to move the load of manure in the box forwardly toward the slingers without compacting same.

Beater drive sprocket TI is chain connected to sprocket H6 attached to beater shaft 18 which is journaled in side plates 93 and 94. On the right hand end of beater shaft I8 is attached a conveyor drive cam H8 (see Figs. 8 and 9). Pivotally attached to one end of drive cam H8 is an arm H9 having its other end pointed to form an indicator. Adjacent the pointed end, a nut HI and bolt I22 are provided for rigidly connecting cam H8 with arm H9 to prevent relative movement. When nut IZI is loosened arm II9 may be moved in a vertical plane relative to cam II8. Pivotally attached to a midportion of arm H9 is a link I23 which is pivotally attached at its other end to drive links I24 and I 26 and to guide arm I21 which is pivotally attached at its opposite end to vertical angle iron II I. Drive link I24 is pivotally connected to a pair of plates I 28 which are pivotally mounted on a shaft I29 which is journaled in side member I I4 of the spreader and in a support member I3I carried by a cover frame I32 attached to side wall II4 of the spreader. A pair of rollers I33 having reduced end portions are freely received within arcuate slots I 34 in both ends of plates I28. These arcuate slots have a center coinciding with the center of shaft I29. Attached to plates I28 adjacent these arcuate slots (see Figs. Sand are blocks. I36 and I31. Between plates I28 a drive wheel I38 is mounted. Drive wheel I38 is attached to shaft I29 for driving same. As can be seen in Fig. 10, roller I33 is positioned between the periphery of wheel I38 and block I 36. The surface of block I36 that is contacted by roller I33 is not concentric with the periphery of wheel I38 in that the lower portion of the block as viewed in Fig. 10 is closer to the periphery of wheel I 38 than the upper portion is, thus providing a wedge shaped recess I39 into which the roller is pressed when the plates move in a clockwise direction. Each plate I28 mounts a pair of springs I4I which bias rollers I33 into the wedge shaped recess I39 between wheel I38 and block I36. It should be noted that block I31 attached to-the lower portion of plates I28 is positioned so that its upper portion is closer to wheel I38 than its lower portion and block I31 functions in the same manner as block I38 so a further description of this is considered unnecessary. It is believed unnecessary to describe the details of plates I42 which are pivotally connected to the lower end of drive link I26 as these plates are similar in construction to the previously described plates I28 and the slots, rollers, wedges. and springs thereof are similarly constructed.

It should now be obvious that: as beater shaft I8 rotates, link I 23 moves up and down. Arm I21 serves only as a guide for. link I23 and the end connected to the link moves up and down therewith.' Plates I28 and I42 which carry the drive rollers I33 oscillate about shaft I29 as their common center. a clockwise direction (as viewed in Figs. 8 and 10), the rollers I 33 are being forced in a counterclockwise direction by coil springs I4I which wedge the rollers between the blocks and the wheel thus providing the means for imparting beater shaft 18. Similar design is incorporated in plates I42 andits related parts exceptthat it' When plates I28 move in while plate I28 drives wheel I38 on the upstroke thus providing a continuous drive for the wheel I38 for each turn of the cam II8. Attached to drive Wheel I38 is a sprocket I43 which is chain connected to sprocket I44 attached to the end of conveyor shaft I Ill. This drive mechanism, as can be seen from Fig. 8, provides a continuous drive for the conveyor 8| and which drive can be varied in any increments desired over a wide variation merely by adjusting arm II9 relative to cam I I8 and thereby moving the upper end of link I23 closer to or farther away from the center of beater shaft I8 and thereby varying the throw of the cam.

In the ordinary type of ratchet drive the speed thereof cannot be varied within the increment set up by one tooth, whereas with the previously have a feeding rib I46 spirally attached thereto (see Figs. 5 and 6) which function to move manure into the forward end of the slingers. The slingers include a pair of diametrically oppositely mounted blade members I41 curved-slightly outwardly towards the direction of rotation'asis indicated in Fig. 6. It is to be noted that the:

slingers revolve in opposite directions as indicated in Fig. ,6. Above the slingers is mounted a;

slinger shield I48 which is attached to plate 48. This shield prevents manure particles from flying upwardly. Attached to each curved blade mem-' ber I4? are spike like elements I49 which aid in breaking up and shreading large pieces of manure which have not been shredded previously.

A similar spike I5I is also attached to a forward portion of the cone of the slinger and its funce tion is also to tear up large pieces of manure.

The specific details of the conical feeders are herein described for the purpose of illustration only as any pair of vertical slingers having shredding means incorporated therein may be substi-.--

tuted therefor. Reference is here made to the copending application of Rector C. Fergason for Manure Spreader Feeding Device, Serial No.

157,155, filed April 20, 1950, now U. 5. Patent, 2,626,809, in which the conical feeder means, herein described, is disclosed and claimed;

A manure beater and shredder 552' is attached to beater shaft '28 and has equally spaced transversely extending members. i53 extending therefrom. Each member I53 has a series of fingers I54 attached'thereto for; beating, shred-L ding and transferringthe upper portion of the manure load thereover' and onto'the'slingers. Attached to the outer edge of slinger shield I48 is a beater shield I58 which is attached at the sides thereof to plates 93 and Beater-shield 1 I53 curves upwardly and rearwardly away from clockwise. motion to the, drive wheel I38 from the slinger shield and has hinged on the upper edge thereof a floating shield I5? whose counter clockwiseniotion astvietvedjin Fig. 5 is limited by chains I53 which are attached to side plates 93 and 94. I The beater shield and fioatingshield form a guide for directing manure passing over the beater onto the slinger's. -Th'e floating'shield is hinged so that if the manure is piled high the rearward portion of the shieldwill'iloat, on top I of the pile as limited by the chain attached thereto. Thebeater lifts the top portion of the manure V The pair of conical- 7. movinggtoward. it up oventhebeater and ontothe slingersv thereby helping to avoid compacting of themanureand ensuing jamming.

.Itishouldalsobe here noted (see Fig. that thesides H3 and H4 of'the spreader box are flared out. adjacent thetslingersin a semi-conical form I58. The purpose of this configuration is to.prevent jamming. of the manure just prior to the spreadingoperation. The increased space afforded by these flaredout portions is substantiallyequal to. the: space occupied by the portion of the .conicalslingerswhich overlay the floor of the spreader. Orin other: words as the manure moves forwardly over the flooriofithespreader and is contactedi'by. the slingers; thespaceoccupied by. the slingers doesnot cause: themanure. to become compaotedas there is adequate room. for the manureto spread out intothe flared portion of the sidesof the spreader. In addition, of course, the previously mentioned fact that the box of the spreaderis larger toward the frontend alsohelps to provide. additional space. in preventing compactingof the manure adjacent the slingers.

Shaft 32 is connected toa hollow shaft iGI. as by welding (see Figs. 1 and 2) This hollow shaft is journaled in a bearing I62 which is carried by a bracket attached to a vertical frame member I63 carried by side N3 of the box. The rear end of shaft IBI is joined to a solid shaft I64 which is journaled ina bracket supported on the upper rearpo'rtion of the spreader box. Shaft I64 has attached thereto a bevel gear Its which is meshed with abevel gearattached to a sprocket I61. A transversely extending shaft I68 is rotatably supported inbearings carried by the upper ends of vertical angle members H2. A sprocket I53 attached to shaft IE8 is drivingly connected to sprocket It? by means of chain I'II which is conventionally tightened by means of an idler sprocket I'I2. A loading conveyer 87 comprises an elongated rigid elevator frame which includes side members I73 and is pivotally suspended from a rear top portion of the vehicle body for: vertical swinging movement in rearward depending relation thereto. Attached to the lower ends of side members I13 is a transverse shaft II'l having sprockets H8, I79 and I8i journaled thereon. Upper shaft IE8 has sprockets I82, I83and I8 3 attached thereto. A'conveyer floor I85 is attached between side members I13 and the ends of this floor curve around shafts I68 and I". removed to avoid interference with the sprockets on shafts IE8 and Ill. Trained around the upper and lower conveyer shafts and around floor member I85 is a spiked endless belt structure having three chains I86, I83 and I88. Chain I33 passes around sprockets I8i and I84, chain I87 passes around sprockets 11s and I83 and chain I88 passes around sprockets I 78 and I 82. Chains I81 and I88 are connected by transversely extending slats I89, IQi, I92 and I93. It should be be noted that these individual slats join only two of the chains and that chains I88 and IS? are similarly connected by slats which are alternately spaced. In this manner overloading of the conveyor is avoided. Often the manure is partly frozen or trampled down particularlyin a feeding lot or shelter so that a considerable strain is placed upon the loading structure when the slats contactrelatively solid immovable material. Each slat is provided with spike like projections I95 for digging intothe manure. An

examination of Fig. 2 will show that these spikes Portions of floor member I85--are I94 vary in their location onthe different slats; For example,.the spikes on slat I89. are in; the same location as on slat I93 and thespikes on slat IQI are in the-same location as the spikes on the, slat above slat I93. the, loadingslats move about the loading. floor and contactthe manure, substantially allportions of the, manure in line with the. slats are And innot ultimately contacted. by a spike. having the spikes allplaced on. the slats in longitudinal alignment'with the spikeson adjacent slats, thepile is broken up and shreddedrath'er than just having groovesdug therein with little. or no manure being loaded.

A rock shaft I96 is pivotally mounted :in

brackets I9! attached: to angle. members II2ofv is attached. An extension of the pin 286.con-- nectingthe hydraulic ram with link 200 extends into this slot which functions as a guide member for the pin. Hydraulic ram. 205' has a hy draulic connection 2%? adapted tobe connected with the hydraulic pumplnot shown) on the tractor 25?.

Operation The operation of the manurexspreaderiislas follows, assuming that the. spreader is empty, that the feed cam 1 58 has been adjusted for the desired amount of spreading and it is desiredto.

fill the spreader and to distributethe manure. Thespreader is backed until the lower end of the loading conveyor 81 is in contact with a manure pile or in contact with manure on the ground of'a steer feeding lot or shelter. The position of thelower end of the conveyor can be controlled by the tractor operator manipulating the controls of the hydraulic pump on the tractor.

If the range of motion of the lower end of the conveyor is not best adapted for handling the.

particular manure, a diiferent'range of'motio'n can be obtained by lengthening or shortening the telescoping supports282 and 203; 'Assume that when the spreader was backed. into the. manure that the slingers, beater and noon-conveyor were in'operation; then tostart the loading conveyor clutch 84 is engaged by thetractor operator manipulating handle 8E: The manure now'moves up the conveyor. and drops onto the bed of'thedistributor. Theconveyor 8| in the-distributormoves the manure forwardiand this operation can be continued until thebody of the spreader is filled if the tractor operator keepsthe-spreader backing into the manure to: furnish an adequate supply for the elevating conveyor. spreader is; filled, the tractor operator reaches back and disengages th loader clutch and the spreader. clutch and activatesthe hydrauliccontrols to .raise up? the loading conveyor. Then thespreader can be pulledto the field, the spreader clutch reengaged and the spreading done. 7

The aforegoing description of operationassumes thatthe operator is working under ideal conditions; however, such is usually not the case.

but with the hydraulic controls for the loading conveyor positioned for finger tip control and;

with th driver's ability tokeep the loading-con In this manner, as.

Whenthe 9 vey'or in a proper pick up position by positioning the tractor closer to the manure, the loading can be done easily in a short time without a great deal of effort.

If needbe the spreader clutch can be diseng'a'g'ed while part of the loading is being done such as in a situation when'the'manure is spread out on the ground as in a feeding barnand it is diflicult to keep the loading conveyor supplied with an adequate amount of manure.

It should here be noted that this two wheeled self-loading fertilizer distributor is so constructed and arranged that the center of gravity thereof uniformly remains forwardly of the wheels thereof at all times during distributingthereby providing a downward'thrust on th tractor to which it is hitched. Thisis a very desirable feature be-' cause the fields are often in poor condition when fertilizer is being distributed and this downward thrust will add to the traction effort of the pull ing vehicle rather than detract.

It should also here be noted the many ways in which the compacted manure, as handled in the disclosed embodiment, is reduced to a fine top dressing. As the loading conveyor 8'! contacts the manure, the teeth 19:2- dig into-and shred the manure which is deposited on fioor I85 over which the manure is moved by the staggered slats into the body of the distributor. To prevent compa'cting of the manure as it is being moved forwardly in the distributor, the front end of the distributor is increasingly tapered to provide greater capacity and the sides of the distributor are flared out adjacent to the conical slingers l! and 68. The beater I52 and conical slingers are both provided with spikelike teeth I54 and I49, respectively, to further shred and reduce the manure supplied by the fioor conveyor in the distributor and by the time the manure is contacted by the curved slinging blades I 41 it has been shredded into a divided state, ideal for even distribution as a top dressing.

It should now be obvious that the apparatus herein disclosed for purposes of illustration com prises a power operated front spreading, rear loading fertilizer distributor wherein the distributor body can be loaded without detaching the distributor from the tractor and in most instances without the operator leaving his position on the tractor, that apparatus embodying the invention is applicable to all types of front spreading fertilizer distributors, and that it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and arrangements of parts herein disclosed, as various modifications within the scopeof the appended claims may occur to persons skilled in the art.

In general terms, apparatus incorporating the present invention comprises a vehicle adapted to be hitched to a tractor, and power transmitting means mounted on said vehicle and connectable in driven relation with a rotary power take-off element on said tractor for actuating a manure advancnig fioor conveyor, a manure spreading erable control element, which in the illustrated embodiment of the invention is represented by the hand lever 86, is located within reach of'said operator for starting and stopping the manure loading mechanism. The two control elements represented by the levers l4 and 86, are operable selectively and independently of each other so as to permit operation of the floor conveyor while the loading mechanism is inoperative, or operation of the loading mechanism while the floor conveyor is inoperative, or simultaneous operation of the floor conveyor and loading mechanism.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. A fertilizer distributor, comprising a material conflning body including a discharge opening at one end thereof and a material supporting floor terminating adjacent said discharge opening, an

endless conveyer operative to move material forwardly through said body and over said floor to said opening, a pair of transversely spaced shaft members mounted on a forward portion of said body for rotation about horizontal longitudinal axes, material impelling blade members secured, respectively, to said shaft members for rotation therewith on said axes and disposed in adjacent opposed material discharging relation to said opening, drive means operable to rotate said shaft members in opposite directions so that said blade members move upwardly in the space between said axes, a transversely extending beater member mounted for rotation in said body immedi ately to the rear of said opening in spaced elevated relation to said conveyor, drive means operable to rotate said heater member on its axis in a direction such that upper surfaces of said beater member move in a generally forward direction and the upper portion of the material moved by said conveyor is moved over said heater member and onto upper surfaces of said blade members, a shield member mounted on said body in spaced elevated relation to said beater member, said opening and said blade members; said shield member forming a guide for directing material moved over said beater member into contact with said blade members, said shield member coacting with said blade members to provide a substantially continuous uniform sheet of material being distributed downwardly and laterally outward from said opening and in substantially equal distances beyond the opposite sides of said body in a substantially transverse vertical plane, and means for moving said body, for operating said conveyor, and for actuating said drive means for said shaft members and said drive means for said beater member.

2. A fertilizer distributor, comprising a material confining body including a discharge opening at one end thereof and a material supporting floor terminating adjacent said discharge opening, an endless conveyor operative to move material forwardly through said body and over said floor to said opening, a pair of transversely spaced shaft members mounted on a forward portion of said body for rotation about horizontal longitudinal axes, material impelling blade members secured, respectively, to said shaft members for rotation therewith on said. axes and disposed in adjacent opposed material discharging relation to said opening, drive means operable to rotate said shaft members in opposite directions so that said blade members move upwardly in the space between said axes, a transversely extending beater member mounted for rotation in said body immediately to the rear of said opening in spaced elevated relation to said conveyor, drive means p r ble to rotate said beater member on its axis in a direction such that upper surfaces of said heater member move in a generally forward direction and the upper portion of the material moved by said conveyer is moved over said beater member and onto upper surfaces of said blade members, the axes of rotation of said blade members being disposed in a horizontal plane substantially midway between said floor and the axis of rotation of said beater member, a shield member mounted on said body in spaced elevated relation to said beater member, said opening and said blade members; said shield member forming a guide for directing material moved over said heater member into contact with upper surfaces of said blade members to provide a substantially continuous uniform sheet of material being distributed downwardly and laterally outward from said opening and in substantially equal distances beyond the opposite sides of said body in a substantially transverse vertical plane, and means for moving said body, for operating said conveyer, and for actuating said drive means for said shaft members and said drive means for said beater member.

3. In combination, a tractor including a power take-off, and a fertilizer distributor adapted to have its forward portion attached to the rear end of said tractor, said fertilizer distributor comprisinga; material confining body including a forwardly located discharge opening and a material supporting floor terminating adjacent said opening, an endless conveyer connected in driven relation with said power take-off and operative to move material forwardly through said body and over said floor to said discharge opening, a transversely extending beater member connected in driven relation with said power take-off and mounted for rotation at the forward end of said body immediately to the rear of said opening in spaced elevated relation to said conveyer, a pair of transversely spaced shaft members mounted for rotation about longitudinal axes, and material impelling blade members secured, respectively, to said shaft members for rotation therewith on said axes and. disposed in adjacent opposed material discharging relation to said opening, said shaft members being operatively connected with said power take-01f for relative rotation in opposite directions so that said blade members move upwardly in the space between said axes, a shield member mounted on the forward end of said body in spaced elevated relation to said beater member and said blade "members, said shield member coacting with said blade members to provide a substantially continuous uniform sheet of material being distributed downwardly and laterally outward from said opening in substantially equal distances beyond opposite sides of said body in a substantially transverse vertical plane.

4. In combination, a tractor including a power take-off, and a fertilizer distributor adapted to have its forward portion attached to the rear end of said tractor, said fertilizer distributor comprising a material confining body including a forwardly located discharge opening and a material supporting floor terminating adjacent said opening, an endless conveyer connected in driven relation with said power take-off and operative to move material forwardly through said body and over said floor to said discharge opening, a transversely extending beater member mounted for rotation at the forward end of said body immediately to the rear of said opening in spaced elevated relation to said conveyer, a pair of transversely spaced shaft members mounted for rotation about longitudinal horizontal axes, material impelling blade members secured, respectively, to said shaft members for rotation therewith on said axes and disposed at the forward end of said body in opposed material discharging relation to said opening, said beater member bein operatively connected with said power take-off for rotation in a direction about a transverse axis such that upper surfaces thereof move forwardly and a portion of the material moved forward by said conveyer is moved over said heater and onto said blade members, the axes of rotation of said shaft members being disposed in a horizontal plane substantially midway between said floor and the axis of rotation of said beater member, said shaft members being operatively connected with said power take-off for relative rotation in opposite directions so that said blade members move upwardly in the space between said axes, and a shield member mounted on the forward end of said body in spaced elevated relation to said beater member and said blade members, said shield member forming a guide for directing material moved over said beater member into contact with said blade members, and said shield member coacting with said blade members to provide a substantially continuous uniform sheet of material being distributed downwardly and laterally outward from said opening and in substantially equal distances beyond opposite sides of said body in a substantially transverse vertical plane.

5. Apparatus for loading, transporting and spreading manure by means of a tractor, said apparatus comprising: a vehicle having a manure confining body and hitch means at the forward end of the latter adapted for connection with said tractor; a floor conveyer mounted on said vehicle and operative to advance manure forwordly within said body toward a discharge aperture at said forward end of the latter; a spreader mechanism mounted on said vehicle in manure receiving relation to said conveyer and in manure discharging relation to said aperture; an elongated rigid elevator frame pivotally suspended from a top rear portion of said body for vertical swinging movement in rearward depending relation thereto; a spiked endless belt structure operatively trained around said elevator frame; means for transmitting driving power from a rotary power take-off element on said tractor to said floor conveyer, spreader mechanism and belt structure, said power transmitting means including a selectively engageable and disengageable clutch mechanism connected in drive transmitting relation with said floor conveyer, and another selectively engageable and disengageable clutch mechanism connected in drive transmitting relation with said belt structure; and an adjusting mechanism for said elevator frame operatively interposed between the latter and said body and including a load'transmitting element adjustably connected with said body and coacting with said elevator frame for selectively lowering the latter to an operative position efiecting positive engagement of the lower end of said spiked belt structure with avehicle supporting compacted manure layer therebeneath; said spiked belt structure being operable when power is transmitted thereto in said operative position of said elevator frame to dig downwardly into said manure layer and convey dug-manure upwardly thereover and into said body at said top rear portion of the latter.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said adjusting mechanism for said elevator frame comprises a transverse rock shaft journaled on a rear part of said vehicle, an arm fixedly attached to and extending from said rock shaft, a link pivotally connected at one end to the distal end of said arm and pivotally connected at the other end thereof to said elevator frame for raising and lowering the latter by back and forth rotation of said rook shaft, another arm fixedly attached to and extending from said rock shaft, a hydraulic ram mounted on said vehicle and having a reciprocable element operatively connected to the distal end of said second arm, and conduit means for connecting said ram with a source of fluid pressure on said tractor.

7. Apparatus for loading, transporting and spreading manure by means of a tractor, said apparatus comprising: a vehicle having a manure confining body and hitch means at the forward end of the latter adapted for connection with said tractor; a floor conveyer mounted on said vehicle and operative to advance manure forwardly within said body toward a discharge aperture at said forward end of the latter; a spreader mechanism mounted on said vehicle in manure receiving relation to said conveyor and in manure discharging relation to said aperture; an elongated rigid elevator frame pivotally suspended from a top rear portion of said body for vertical swinging movement in rearward depending relation thereto; a spiked endless belt structure operatively trained around said elevator frame; power transmitting means mounted on said vehicle and connectable in-driven relation with a power take-off element on said tractor for driving said floor conveyer, spreader mechanism and endless belt structure; a control mechanism for said power transmitting means including a first manually operable control element mounted on said vehicle within reach of an operator on said tractor for starting and stopping operation of the floor conveyer, and a second manually oper- 14 able control element mounted on said vehicle within reach of an operator on said tractor and operable independently of said first control element for starting and stopping movement of said endless belt structure; and an adjusting mechanism for said elevator frame operatively interposed between the latter and said body and including a load transmitting element adjustably connected with said body and coacting with said elevator frame for selectively lowering the latter to an operative position effecting positive engagement of the lower end of said spiked belt structure with a vehicle supporting compacted manure layer therebeneath; said spiked belt structure being operable When power is transmitted thereto in said operative position of said elevator frame to dig downwardly into said manure layer and convey dug manure upwardly thereover and into said body at said top rear portion of the latter.

CHARLES J. SCRANTON.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 947,277 Brown Jan. 25, 1910 1,291,436 Dennis Jan. 14, 1919 1,924,825 Young Aug. 29, 1933 1,979,945 Kranick Nov. 6, 1934 2,256,655 Stewart Sept. 23, 1941 2,296,474 Kucera Sept. 22, 1942 2,296,909 Dake Sept. 29, 1942 2,311,726 Blue Feb. 23, 1943 2,343,303 Kuhlman Mar. 7, 1944 2,430,020 Johnson Nov. 4, 1947 2,507,669 Heth May 16, 1950 2,581,263 Lehman Jan. 1, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 597,224 Great Britain Jan. 21, 1948 

